Underwater litter pick nets a real mess in Newhaven

DIVERS trawled up a truckload of trash during an underwater litter pick in Newhaven on Saturday September 1.

The event netted a variety of debris including a remote control, a bike pedal, sunglasses, rubber gloves and an electrical cable.

Clive Murphy was one of the 14 members from Mid Herts Divers, in Welwyn Garden City, who took part.

Clive, who is also the club’s diving officer, said: “In just a short time we collected quite a large volume of rubbish. The vast majority of it was plastics.

“We also retrieved a lot of fishing line which not only can be harmful to marine life who become tangled in it but it can also pose a danger to us divers.”

The club’s efforts are part of a joint initiative between the British Sub Aqua Club and Marine Conservation Society to clean up Britain’s seas.

“With diving clubs across the country also taking part in the BSAC Underwater Litter Pick over the next couple months, we hope it will make a big difference to the cleanliness of our seas and beaches,” added Clive.

Data from the event will be sent to the Marine Conservation Society, which can be used to target areas of concern, such as plastics and spot trends in the rubbish in the sea and on beaches.